A LONG AND PERILOUS RIDE—THE MOTLEY MOB COMES UP—TWO MEN, BY EXERCISING A LITTLE COOLNESS AND A GOOD DEAL OF COURAGE, STAND OFF FORTY—AGAIN ATTACKED AT THE DEPOT—WADING THROUGH AN ARMY OF DESPERATE CHARACTERS—OFF FOR COUNCIL BLUFFS—THE JAIL ASSAULTED—FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS OFFERED FOR KELLY’S RELEASE—DESPERATE EFFORT TO ESCAPE IN OMAHA—AFTER MANY TRIALS DETECTIVE BOSWELL LANDS HIS PRISONER IN LARAMIE CITY.
The arrest of Kelly had been made early in the morning, and it was not late in the day when Red Oak was reached. A brief stop was made at this point to consult a physician as to Kelly’s wound. The man of medicine said the prisoner had been dangerously shot; that the ball had passed through the abdomen, and the chances were two to one that he would die, but that his prospects would be in no wise injured by taking him on to Pacific Junction. Much against Kelly’s will the officers mounted the vehicle, and with a “go long there,” were off on the long and dangerous journey.
On they went, as fast as the rough roads and the speed of their animals would permit, feeling that even step they went was putting danger all the further from them. They began to feel somewhat secure from attack when they passed the half-way point on their road. But their exultation was only short-lived. They were jogging along over a corduroy road through heavily shaded bottom land, when, glancing back, they beheld a small and motley army advancing upon them. Kelly’s brother had gotten about twenty men together, armed them with revolvers, shot guns, shovels, pitchforks, and mounted them on mules and “old plugs” of horses, and had come in pursuit. They were galloping along over the rough road strung out for a hundred yards, making quite a formidable appearance, indeed.
“Well, I guess we’ll just give them the best we’ve got in the shop, anyhow,” says Boswell. “Let them come if they want to,” in a general way, and to his companion officer, “Put your pistol to Kelly’s ear and blow the top of his head off if he makes a move, or if his friends do,” at the same time nudging the officer as a warning not to take him literally at his word. The command was intended for Kelly’s ear and not for the officer’s. We shall soon see whether the stratagem had its desired effect.
In the meantime the horses had been stopped, and Boswell remarking, “I guess we’ll face the music right here,” had jumped out of the wagon, leaving his companion to take care of Kelly while he should face the mob. They rushed on even after Boswell had stepped out. When the infuriated crowd had come within hailing distance, Boswell raised his pistol and ordered them to stop. But they did not stop. He drew a bead on the leader and shouted to him:
“Move another step and I’ll shoot you dead as you come.”
This had its effect and the mob drew the reins on their animals and came to an unwilling standstill.
“Now, what do you want?” he asked.
“We want Kelly, and mean to take him.”
“Oh, you do, eh? Well, if that is all, come on and get him.”